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Masi Kesa

human history
  • Other Name

    Bark cloth (English)

  • Description

    Masi Kesa. Patterned masi (bark cloth), and with togitogi (fringing) along the edges. The masi is spaciously patterned with two motifs, repeated across the length of the masi. The motifs consists of a star shape with chevron shapes extending out (from smallest to largest), in-between the four points of the star. There are also a two circular shaped motifs (possibly floral) that alternate across the masi with the star and chevron motif.

    The edges are bordered with a row of triangles, with their apices facing towards the centre of the masi. Two chevron shapes are vertically placed above each triangle, with their apices also facing towards the centre of the masi. Masi is made from bark stripped from the Vuni Masi (Paper mulberry) tree. The outer skin is removed and the inner bark (natural in colour) is soaked in a papasia (large wooden bowl). It is then laid out on a duadua (long wooden anvil) and beaten with an ike (bark cloth beater). Using water as the binding agent, strips of masi are felted togethe

  • Place
  • Accession Number
    1986.223
  • Accession Date
    10 Oct 1986
  • Other Id

    52264 (ethnology)

  • Department
Masi kesa, 1986.223, 52264, Photographed by Andrew Hales,… … Read more

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